**Legal Expert Questions Corruption Charges in Sugar Importation Case**
**JAKARTA, Indonesia** – The recent corruption allegations surrounding the sugar importation case involving former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong have sparked debates among legal experts. Junaedi Saibih, a law professor at the University of Indonesia, has raised concerns about the hasty determination of corruption in the 2015-2016 sugar importation under Tom Lembong’s leadership.
According to Junaedi, the importation policies implemented by Tom Lembong should have undergone internal government scrutiny to ascertain any potential corruption elements before legal charges were brought forth. He emphasized that the importation agreement between state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and private companies should have been thoroughly examined to ensure compliance with legal standards.
In a statement on Sunday (26/1/2025), Junaedi highlighted the importance of examining the legal aspects of public policies to safeguard against unwarranted criminal charges. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both legal compliance and public interest in such cases.
Furthermore, Junaedi stressed the principle of *presumptio iustae causa* in public policy evaluations, indicating that policies should be deemed lawful and valid unless proven otherwise by the Administrative Court. He referenced the 2014 Government Administration Law, which mandates thorough administrative reviews of policy decisions before resorting to legal actions.
“Public policies require innovation and creativity. By bypassing internal inspectorate reviews, officials may be deterred from making necessary policy decisions, leading to a climate of fear,” Junaedi remarked, underscoring the importance of upholding legal procedures in public governance.
Echoing Junaedi’s sentiments, Criminal Law expert Edward Juliartha from the University of Shakyakirti in Palembang emphasized the contextual evaluation of public policies during their implementation. Juliartha emphasized the need to assess policies within their specific contexts and promptly address any deviations from legal standards.
Juliartha further emphasized the problem-solving role of public officials, highlighting the need for timely reviews to ensure effective governance practices. He underscored the importance of evaluating policy decisions promptly to address any issues and maintain public trust in government institutions.
As the debate on the sugar importation case continues, legal experts like Junaedi Saibih and Edward Juliartha advocate for a balanced and thorough approach to evaluating public policies to uphold integrity and accountability in governance. Their insights shed light on the complexities of legal procedures and the importance of upholding the rule of law in public administration.
